Polish Diet *blog #4*

As I discussed in other blog posts Polish dishes are very hearty. Most of the time they consist of the main food groups on our food Pyramid. Poland is used for crops so a lot of vegetables and grain are grown there and do not have to import as much making healthier foods not as expensive like they are in America. In America's agricultural system a lot of tax payer dollars go towards the cereal grains because they are basic ingredients in so many boxed and bagged food items such as cereals, chips, breads etc. A lot of Polish dishes contain potatoes, beans, rice, peas, and protein packed meats. 

http://healthymehealthyyouhealthyus.com/postdetail.asp?id=242

On the left is a picture of Poland's food pyramid which is much more in depth than America's. Poland strongly encourages physical activity and even included that on their pyramid. Although, many polish cuisines are high in calories and can be high in fat, if eaten in moderation, is a very steady diet. Polish desserts such as Paczki, deep fried powdered sugar doughnut like spheres filled with sweet fillings, are very sugary but are only eaten on occasions especially on feasting days like Fat Tuesday right before Lent. This tradition is also a theme in the novel Like Water For Chocolate. Traditions are different for so many cultures and have been mixed especially in America and yet have lasted for so long. Continuing these traditions draws families and friends closer together. I think America has started to lose that sense of community largely in part to the business of peoples lives now.  

"Poland." Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. <http://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-based-dietary-guidelines/regions/countries/poland/en/>.

Rolek, Barbara. "Traditional Polish Pączki (Doughnuts) Recipe." About Food. About.com, 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. <http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/Paczki.htm>.

"Polish Ideas about Healthy Diet- Exercisesreading." Polish Ideas about Healthy Diet- Exercisesreading. Healthy Me! Healthy You! Healthy Us!, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. <http://healthymehealthyyouhealthyus.com/postdetail.asp?id=242>.